Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge (Seneca, Cayuga)

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge (Seneca, Cayuga)

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is located at the north end
of Cayuga Lake just north of routes 5&20. From Rochester take the
Thruway east to exit 41. At exit 41 head south on route 414 to route
318. Take route 318 east to routes 5&20 and continue heading east on
5&20. The visitor center will be a left hand turn. If you reach
route 90 (this is a route called 90 that travels along the east side of
Cayuga lake, not the NYS Thruway) you have gone too far.

Description:

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge has a 3.5 mile wildlife
drive tour that provides viewing of many marsh plants and waterfowl
depending on the time of your visit. Spring migration is late February
to April. The best time for ducks is fall migration, mid September to
freezing. The Esker Brook trail is the only foot path at Montezuma
(hiking is not allowed on Wildlife drive except in the winter). The
round trip hike is 1.5 miles long or approximately 3 miles if you want
to do all 3 trails. The Orchard trail, Brook trail and Ridge trail all
parallel each other and lead to 2 man made ponds and back again. They
are fairly level with some gentle climbs. Wild flowers are abundant.

Area Literature:

Available from the Visitors Center

Nature Center at Site:

The Visitor Center is open April 1 to November 30, weekends 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) is dedicated to the protection and responsible
recreational use of the New York State Forest Preserve, and other parks, wild
lands, and waters vital to our members and chapters. The Club, founded in 1922,
is a member-directed organization committed to public service and stewardship.
ADK employs a balanced approach to outdoor recreation, advocacy, environmental
education, and natural resource conservation.